Your type of lips is one of the most distinct features of your face. From the Cupid’s bow to the curve of the bottom lip to how full they are, they’re uniquely yours. Identifying your lip shape can help you discover flattering ways to use different types of lipstick, liner, and gloss to accentuate your natural pout andenhance your makeup looks.
There are many different types of lips, each with its own character. If you’ve ever thought, What type of lips do I have?, grab a mirror and keep reading. We’ll walk you through a lip shape chart of the most common kinds, plus easy tips to make the most of your natural lip shape.
To identify your type of lips, start by looking closely in the mirror. Notice the outline, the proportions between your top and bottom lip, and any unique curves or angles. Full lips with symmetrical volume on both top and bottom are the most common, while a defined Cupid’s bow or heart-shaped lips are less common but instantly recognizable.
Full lips are equally plump on the top and bottom, with soft, balanced curves. This versatile lip shape works beautifully with bold colors that draw attention to its symmetry. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds of Worth Satin Lipstick for a vibrant, statement-making red that enhances the fullness of your pout.
A top-heavy lip shape means your upper lip is noticeably fuller than your bottom lip. To create balance, use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick with its slim bullet to precisely define and fill your lips. Slightly overline the bottom lip to even out proportions, then keep your upper lip lining precise for a polished look.
Wide lips extend further toward the cheeks and can look longer than they are full. An ombré effect can visually shorten and add height to your shape. Apply a lighter shade like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Peach Fuzz to the center and a deeper shade like Nature’s Blush to the corners. Then, blend with a clear gloss such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Lip Oil.
Round lips are nearly the same width and height, with soft, curved edges. To subtly elongate this type of lips, use the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner to trace just outside the corners while following your natural shape at the center. Finish with your favorite lipstick to add balanced color without overpowering the natural roundness.
A bottom-heavy lip shape features a fuller bottom lip compared to the top. To draw more focus upward, outline your upper lip slightly outside the natural line using theL’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner. Keep the bottom lip lining within your natural edge to visually even the proportions.
Thin lips have less natural volume and can be enhanced with a combination of liner and gloss. Slightly overline both the top and bottom lips, focusing on the Cupid’s bow and the center of the lower lip. Add a volumizing finish with the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Lip Oil for a plumped, hydrated effect.
Bow shape is a type of lips with a full, well-defined Cupid’s bow that resembles a bow tie. Enhance this unique contour by outlining with a lipliner and applying a shiny formula like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick. The sheen will catch the light and draw attention to the bow-like upper lip.
This type of lip has a prominent Cupid’s bow paired with a sharper bottom lip. Accentuate this definition by lining along the natural edges and applying a dab of L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer to the Cupid’s bow. Finish with a gloss for a soft, dimensional shine.
Downward-turned lips have corners that slope slightly downward. To lift the look, use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Skin Ink 2-In-1 Foundation Concealer to blur the outer corners, then redraw them with a lip liner in a subtly upward curve. This trick redefines the pout while keeping it natural.
No matter which kind of lips you have, the right techniques can enhance your natural features without changing them entirely. Here’s how to work with each shape.
Bold shades are your best friend because they highlight this type of lips and show off the natural symmetry. Deep reds, berries, and rich nudes all work beautifully on this lip shape. Avoid excessive overlining, which can distort the proportions in this kind of lips.
For this type of lips, slight overlining and gloss add instant fullness. Focus the gloss at the center to catch the light and give this lip shape a more voluminous effect. Avoid dark matte shades, which can make lips appear smaller.
Balance is key with this kind of lips, so try a slightly brighter or lighter shade on the bottom lip. A touch of highlighter on the lower lip’s center helps even the proportions of this lip shape. Avoid lining both lips identically, which can exaggerate the imbalance.
Draw attention upward with a brighter upper lip shade or a defined Cupid’s bow to complement this type of lips. Keep lower lip colors softer to maintain balance in this lip shape. Avoid applying heavy gloss only to the bottom lip.
With this kind of lips, slightly extend the outer corners with liner for more length. Use medium to deep shades to add definition and enhance this lip shape. Avoid overdrawing the center, which can make the lips look too small.
Blend the Cupid’s bow slightly for a softer look if desired on this type of lips. Gloss helps even out top-heavy proportions in this lip shape. Avoid overly sharp liner at the bow, which can make it look severe.
When working with this type of lips, concentrate the color toward the center for a plumper appearance. Use ombré or gradient techniques to visually narrow the width of this lip shape. Avoid extending the liner too far toward the cheeks.
Healthy lips make any lip shape look better. Before applying any lipstick, liner, or gloss, gently exfoliate with a lip scrub or a damp towel to remove dry skin. Follow with a hydrating balm and let it absorb for a couple of minutes. Well-prepped lips not only feel comfortable but also help your makeup last longer and look smoother.
Next Up: 5 Stunning Lip Liner and Lip Gloss Combos To Try
Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
Photo credit: IG/@gregoryrazin, @williana_fan_of_life
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